Robert Swartzwelder, president of Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge 1, said union approval is necessary because wearing body cameras amounts to a “significant change in working conditions.”
City officials won't say whether they plan to negotiate camera usage with the union.
“Body cameras are supported by police agencies, district attorneys and others across the state and nation,” said Tim McNulty, spokesman for Mayor Bill Peduto. “For whatever reason, the FOP president seems to be out of step with that.”
Other cities have taken the issue to their police unions.
The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis signed off on a proposal that equipped about 500 of the city's 870 officers with cameras starting early this year, according to union President Bob Kroll. Kroll said the union negotiated with the city on policy governing the use of cameras.
He said members, among other things, wanted permission to review video of an incident before issuing a report to avoid conflicting information and possible allegations of officer misconduct. The city agreed, he said.
“We figured it was mandatory for negotiations because it was such a change in working conditions,” said Kroll, a police lieutenant. “The members are not thrilled about wearing them, but we believe the use of body cameras is going to reduce complaints against officers.”
In Boston, the police union agreed to voluntary camera use but advised its members not to volunteer, the Boston Globe reported. The union sought a court injunction after the city moved ahead. A judge ruled in September that state law gave the Boston police commissioner authority to implement the cameras.
Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Sonya Toler said the $1.5 million deal with Taser International Inc. would buy 550 cameras, plus support services, for five years. It includes data storage of video, camera mounts, wall chargers, software and maintenance.
“Upon final approval of the legislation, the police bureau will purchase the cameras and begin deploying them in phases by patrol zones beginning with Zone 1,” Toler said, declining to comment on the union's stance.
City Council is expected to vote on the program next week.
About 120 officers, including motorcycle and bicycle patrols, are equipped with cameras, Toler said. Peduto has budgeted for 892 officers next year, including 18 members of the command staff.
Toler said an undetermined number of plainclothes officers not working undercover will have cameras, and the bureau would have enough for spares and to train recruits.
Swartzwelder said the FOP wants assurances that officers won't be disciplined for failing to turn on a camera and failing to turn one off when entering a private residence. Pennsylvania wiretap law prohibits audio recording inside a private home.
He said safety is a main concern, and the union is prepared to file a grievance if the city proceeds without negotiating.
“The officer has to get out every single time and make a choice: put the camera on and risk his safety or not put the camera on and risk disciplinary action,” Swartzwelder said.
He said the union might ask for additional compensation for officers.
“It's going to depend on how rigid the policy is,” he said.
Bob Bauder is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-765-2312 or bbauder@tribweb.com.
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